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Hilton Head Island Travel Guide: Hotels, Eats & Activities
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items I have been traveling to Hilton Head Island for 35 years. Some years, I spend the winter months here, but I ultimately visit at least twice a year. My grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins lived here, and I spent my summers growing up on this beauti...
Over the years, I’ve discovered the best places to stay, eat, and explore. From luxury resorts and cozy beachfront cottages to top restaurants, cafes, and local hidden gems, this board is your ultimate guide for planning the perfect Hilton Head getaw...
Find family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, scenic beaches, golf courses, and more—all curated to help you make the most of your trip. Whether it’s romantic escapes, family vacations, or solo adventures, Hilton Head Island travel inspiration...
Over the years, I’ve discovered the best places to stay, eat, and explore. From luxury resorts and cozy beachfront cottages to top restaurants, cafes, and local hidden gems, this board is your ultimate guide for planning the perfect Hilton Head getaw...
Find family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, scenic beaches, golf courses, and more—all curated to help you make the most of your trip. Whether it’s romantic escapes, family vacations, or solo adventures, Hilton Head Island travel inspiration...
Map
Sections
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Hilton Head Island Stays: Luxury to Budget
Things To Do On Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Family Favorites: Must-Try Local Eats
Getting Around Hilton Head Island
What to pack for Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Stays: Luxury to Budget
I’ve stayed at nearly every Hilton Head Island hotel, resort, and vacation rental—luxury to budget! This board shares my top picks for beachfront cottages, family-friendly resorts, and hidden gems. Get insider tips and honest reviews to plan the perf...
Marriott Monarch in Sea Pines sits at the end of Hilton Head Island, right on the beach, and is personally one of my favorite locations. Ride bikes on scenic paved trails to Harbour Town Lighthouse, South Beach Marina with the famous Salty Dog Cafe, ...
Marriott's Monarch at Sea Pines - Hilton Head Hotels
The Inn & Club at Harbour Town is perfectly located on Hilton Head Island, quiet and scenic, with walking access to shopping, dining, the historic lighthouse, and golf. Enjoy stunning sunset views from the pier or fine dining, short walks to the ...
INN & CLUB AT HARBOUR TOWN - SEA PINES RESORT
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Oak Resort is just steps from Hilton Head’s beautiful beaches, with spacious accommodations and family-friendly amenities. Enjoy the pool, fitness center, and recreational areas, or take a short walk to nearby shoppi...
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Oak Resort Hilton Head
What can I say, a quiet form of Disney. Tucked in Shelter Cove Marina, with lots to do.
Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Things To Do On Hilton Head Island
There is no shortage of things to do on the island, on or off season. Of course, off season, the hours are adjusted for the slower pace, but there is still so much to do!
Hilton Head Island is full of paved bike trails, and renting bikes is one of the first things we do when we arrive. Whether you’re sightseeing, grabbing lunch, or riding along the long, firm beaches, biking here is a beautiful way to explore and catc...
Hilton Head Outfitters & Bike Rentals
The great debate: which mini golf course is the best? For us, it’s Pirates Cove. With five competitive boys, we hit the course at least once every trip. Be prepared for longer waits during peak season—mini golf is extremely popular on Hilton Head.
Pirate's Island Adventure Golf of Hilton Head SC
Coligny Plaza is a classic Hilton Head shopping spot with a mix of original stores and beachside shops. From The Shell Shop and the hardware store to t-shirts, trinkets, and two ice cream shops, there’s something for everyone. It sits on both sides o...
Coligny Plaza Shopping Center
Shelter Cove offers two great vibes in one spot: the original Shelter Cove on the marina — right across from Disney’s Hilton Head Island Vacation Club Resort — is packed with restaurants, shops, live entertainment and seasonal fireworks.
Just a short drive away, Towne Center is the more modern option with boutique finds alongside mainstream stores like Lululemon, giving you a perfect mix of shopping and dining. We love dining outdoors at Poseidon; both areas are easy to explore on fo...
Just a short drive away, Towne Center is the more modern option with boutique finds alongside mainstream stores like Lululemon, giving you a perfect mix of shopping and dining. We love dining outdoors at Poseidon; both areas are easy to explore on fo...
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina | Hilton Head Charters, Tours, Rentals ...
Salty Dog Marina is a long-time Hilton Head favorite with endless entertainment for both kids and adults during peak season. You can enjoy dinner and drinks with live music while the kids take part in magician shows, activities, or visit the famous p...
Please note that this is located in Sea Pines Plantation. It is a gated community. You will be able to enter. At the time of writing this at the end of 2025, the gate fee is $10 cash. If you plan your trip, you will be able to spend the day in the plantation
Please note that this is located in Sea Pines Plantation. It is a gated community. You will be able to enter. At the time of writing this at the end of 2025, the gate fee is $10 cash. If you plan your trip, you will be able to spend the day in the plantation
The Salty Dog Marina
Hilton Head Family Favorites: Must-Try Local Eats
Looking for the best local restaurants on Hilton Head Island? This list features my family’s top spots—unique, locally owned places you won’t find back home or in other travel destinations. I visit Hilton Head often, and these are the restaurants tha...
One Hot Mama’s is one of my top must-do spots on Hilton Head Island—especially for my boys and nephews. Their new location makes the experience even better with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of TVs if there’s a game on. It’s not a ...
The ribs, chicken wings, brisket, and Cobb salad are our go-to favorites every time. Portions are big, flavors are bold, and the menu has something for everyone. Whether you're planning out your Hilton Head restaurant list or looking for reliable loc...
The ribs, chicken wings, brisket, and Cobb salad are our go-to favorites every time. Portions are big, flavors are bold, and the menu has something for everyone. Whether you're planning out your Hilton Head restaurant list or looking for reliable loc...
One Hot Mama's BBQ
Holy Tequila is always at the top of our must-eat list on Hilton Head. This Mexican spot delivers big, satisfying portions, making it perfect whether you love sharing plates or bringing home leftovers for an extra meal the next day. Their menu is pac...
Holy Tequila
When we want an upscale dinner on Hilton Head, Bowdie’s Chophouse is always our first choice. We’ve eaten here three times now, and every single visit has been flawless — the kind of meal you talk about long after you leave. This is definitely a “dre...
The steak and salmon have never missed — always cooked exactly right, rich, flavorful, and consistently some of the best we’ve had on the island. And the sides? The lobster mac and cheese plus the wedge salad are our must-order combo every time. If y...
Perfect for celebrations, date nights, or those evenings when you just want something truly exceptional.
The steak and salmon have never missed — always cooked exactly right, rich, flavorful, and consistently some of the best we’ve had on the island. And the sides? The lobster mac and cheese plus the wedge salad are our must-order combo every time. If y...
Perfect for celebrations, date nights, or those evenings when you just want something truly exceptional.
Bowdie's Chophouse
Hilton Head Social Bakery is one of those places I refuse to skip when I’m on the island — especially during the busy season. If you can, head to the Shelter Cove location. It sits right on the marina, and there’s nothing better than enjoying breakfa...
The bakery case is always full of fresh, made-that-morning pastries, croissants, breads, and sweet treats. But once something sells out, it’s gone for the day — which honestly makes it feel even more special.
I love trying new things each visit, but one tradition has stuck: I always take a Raspberry Macaron back to my hotel with me. It’s my little Hilton Head ritual. If you love local bakeries, peaceful morning views, and pastries that taste like someone ...
The bakery case is always full of fresh, made-that-morning pastries, croissants, breads, and sweet treats. But once something sells out, it’s gone for the day — which honestly makes it feel even more special.
I love trying new things each visit, but one tradition has stuck: I always take a Raspberry Macaron back to my hotel with me. It’s my little Hilton Head ritual. If you love local bakeries, peaceful morning views, and pastries that taste like someone ...
Hilton Head Social Bakery
If you’re craving fresh seafood with an unbeatable waterfront vibe, Hudson’s on the Docks is one of our absolute favorite stops on Hilton Head. From the moment you sit down and take in the sweeping views of Port Royal Sound, you’ll feel like you’re g...
The menu is a seafood lover’s dream — from local fish and oysters to shrimp and crab that literally come straight off the boats right onto your plate — and there’s an abundance of choices that highlight the freshest flavors of the coast.
You can get great land-based dishes too, but if seafood is your thing, this is absolutely the spot to indulge. Pro tip: it’s typically first-come, first-served, and snagging a seat with the best view (especially at sunset) is worth arriving a bit ear...
The menu is a seafood lover’s dream — from local fish and oysters to shrimp and crab that literally come straight off the boats right onto your plate — and there’s an abundance of choices that highlight the freshest flavors of the coast.
You can get great land-based dishes too, but if seafood is your thing, this is absolutely the spot to indulge. Pro tip: it’s typically first-come, first-served, and snagging a seat with the best view (especially at sunset) is worth arriving a bit ear...
Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks
Getting Around Hilton Head Island
A car is a necessity for visiting Hilton Head Island. While the island is only about 12 miles long, rideshares like Uber and Lyft are limited, so renting a car is the easiest way to explore the beaches, shops, and restaurants. Travelers can fly into ...
Keep in mind that the airport is very small, and on-site hours of operation vary by season. Please contact the car rental company directly to confirm current hours.
Enterprise Car Rental
Keep in mind that the airport is very small, and on-site hours of operation vary by season. Please contact the car rental company directly to confirm current hours.
Hertz Car Rental
Keep in mind that the airport is very small, and on-site hours of operation vary by season. Please contact the car rental company directly to confirm current hours.
Avis Car Rental
Keep in mind that the airport is very small, and on-site hours of operation vary by season. Please contact the car rental company directly to confirm current hours.
Budget Car Rental
What to pack for Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head is a beautiful, relaxing beach island, so you’ll want a few key essentials for the trip. From beach and pool must-haves to bike-riding gear and everyday staples, these are the items that make your stay easier and more enjoyable.
I know a Bogg Bag is a little pricey—I hesitated before buying one—but it’s been amazing for the beach and pool. You can rinse out all the sand, let it dry quickly, and use the accessories to stay totally hands-free. It’s become one of my must-have b...
BOGG BAG
This Baonat Beach Bag has been amazing for the beach and pool — it’s a waterproof rubber tote that you can rinse out, wash clean, and leave to dry in minutes. The sturdy design keeps its shape, the washable material makes sand a non-issue, and the ac...
Beach Bag Rubber Tote Bag
WEKAPO Beach Blanket Sandproof Waterproof, Extra Large Beach Mat, Oversized & Compact Sand Free Mat Quick Drying, Lightweight & Durable with Stakes & Corner Pockets
WEKAPO Beach Blanket Sandproof Waterproof,
Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Lights, Stocking Stuffers, Powerful Crystal Clear Sound, IPX5 Waterproof, All Day Playtime, BT 5.3, TWS Paring, Small Wireless Speaker for Outdoor
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards, Clear Plastic Deck of Cards for Outdoor Card Games, Camping, Beach, Pool & Travel Games (1 Deck)
Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards
Towel Bands (6-Pack), Beach Pool & Cruise Chairs, Extra Durable, No Snapping, Cruise Ship & Beach Essentials, Great Alternative to Beach Towel Clips (3 Regular + 3 Glow in The Dark)
Towel Bands (6-Pack), Beach Pool
Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm 3 Flavor Variety Pack - Coconut, Banana, Watermelon - Moisturizing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E - Vegan and Cruelty Free - UVA/UVB Lip Protection - 0.15 oz, 3 count
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm 3 Flavor Pack
Lamicall Waterproof Phone Pouch Case - [2 Pack][Easy Lock & Heavy Duty] IPX8 Water Proof Cell Phone Dry Bag for Beach, Protector for iPhone 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Plus Air, Galaxy S25 S24, 4-7"
Lamicall Waterproof Phone Pouch Case
Neso Beach Table - Lightweight, Portable and Foldable Table for Beach, Camping and Outdoor Adventures - Stable Surface - with Cup Holder for Drinks and Phone Pockets - Vintage Stripes
Neso Beach Table - Lightweight & Foldable
Koonie Portable Handheld Fan, Battery Operated Fan with Base, 8 Hours, Digital Display, 5 Speeds, 90° Ajustable, Rechargeable Mini Fan for Outdoor Indoor
Koonie Portable Handheld Fan
76-Piece First-Aid Kit, Portable All-Purpose Use for Minor Cuts and Scrapes, Durable Water-Resistant Case, Convenient and Portable for Travel, FSA & HSA Eligible
76-Piece First-Aid Kit, Portable All-Purpose
Beach Vacation Essentials - Sand Coasters Drink Cup Holders, 5-Pack, Multicolor, Must-Haves for Women, Adults, Family, and Friends
Beach Vacation Sand Coasters Drink Holders
BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank 10,000mAh, Portable Wireless Charger, 20W Fast Charging External Battery Pack with USB C for Cell Phones, Solar Panel Charger with Dual Flashlight for Camping
BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank 10,000mA
Ayeboovi Toss and Catch Ball Game Outdoor Toys for Kids Yard Games Beach Toys Outside Games for 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year Old Boys Girls (Upgraded)
Ayeboovi Toss and Catch Ball Game
Mattel Games UNO Splash Card Game with Waterproof Cards and Portable Clip for Travel, Camping and Game Nights Away
Mattel Games UNO Splash Card Game